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Haj to cost up to 30 per cent more for Qataris

Qataris and foreigners planning to go for Haj (pilgrimage) this year will have to pay up to 30 per cent more than last year following the sharp rise in tariffs announced by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.

The fares for those travelling by road (Category C) have gone up by more than 30 per cent compared with last year while those travelling by air (Category A) will have to pay about six per cent more than those who performed Haj last year.

Tariffs for the C category have gone from QR9,200 to QR12,000 with trips to Makkah and Madina. Those opting not to travel to Madina will have to pay QR10,000, against the QR8,120 charged last year, Qatar daily The Peninsula reported on Monday.

Most expatriates normally prefer to travel by road due to the relatively low fares, but many of them would find the new hike unaffordable.

Three nights

The package includes accommodation, services at the holy sites, Mina camping, food, transportation and accommodation in a three-star hotel for three nights. The amount also includes charges of the unified agents office.

The prices of category (A) have been raised to QR16,000 from last year’s QR15,100 (including trips to Makkah and Madina) and to QR12,800, excluding the trip to Madina, against the QR12,460 charged last year.

The package does not include air tickets but cover all other services available to Class C plus accommodation in a four-star hotel for three nights.

Third category abolished

A third category (Category B) for pilgrims travelling by air that offered lower fares compared to Category A has been abolished this year. Fares for Category C have now become almost similar to those that existed in Category B (QR12,400) last year.

Details of the tariffs for category (A) are QR 5,100 for accommodation in Makkah, QR 3,200 for accommodation in Madina, QR1,200 for shrines services, QR 2,900 for Mina camping, QR1,800 for food and QR1,800 for transportation.

Details for category (C) are QR 4,200 For accommodation in Makkah, QR 2,000 for accommodation in Madina, QR800 for shrines services, QR2,200 for camping in Mina, QR800 for food and QR2,000 for transportation.

The Haj and Umrah Department at the ministry has urged all Haj applicants to register online between July 2 and September 13.